Finished

I couldn't stay awake last night, although the story was so very good. I have read the book many times, and each time it grips me. I always gain something different with each reading. When I woke up this morning, I gathered our copy and my workout clothes. Normally I try to head out early to run, walk or strength train, but this morning I just had to finish the last 20 or so pages. I had to find out what happened to Jem and Scout. Again I was reminded of the ending and the brilliance of Harper Lee. That little book is full of so much goodness and insight. She crafts the tale with humble words and speech creating such a treasure.

I am taking an online course right now with Amanda of The Habit of Being entitled Write Now. The class focuses on the habit of writing daily and truly observing; crafting those tales we encounter throughout our lives and noticing the little things we can easily miss. One piece that struck me from the prompts was the belief that good writing comes from reading good works. I truly believe Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is a good work. Recently I also read a bit of Steinbeck. Somehow I had never read his work as a youth or in college. After just the first paragraph, I put it down. It was just so good. The imagery and the information provided in just that one group of sentences was profound. I even paused to share it with Dave.

There are many great works available, but I am continually drawn to older tomes. I even prefer many of the older children's works for the kiddos. So, although I still love to power through current fiction of questionable literary merit, I intersperse those reads with a return to the classics.

Another return to the classics is this sweater I recently finished. The pattern is Cape Cod from Thea Colman, and I love it. The sweater is perfect for throwing over a tee with a pair of jeans. The slight boatneck collar adds a touch of femininity to the raglan when combined with the lace panels in the front and back. I used cotton yarn this time, since I am finally accepting that Arizona is hot, and wool is only so practical here in my climate. I enjoyed working with the yarn, but I am not totally happy with the ribbing. It seems loose although I tried several different needle combinations. I think I may try a twisted rib next time.